Focus domain Innovatiecampus Geel
(Nuclear) energy, space, defense&security, earth observation, chemical reactors, big science... There are numerous application areas that require technological solutions where traditional electronics fall short or fail. These might be radiation-hard electronics, but also electronics being exposed to chemicals, extreme temperatures or pressure etc.
Geel and the surrounding area (De Kempen) are known worldwide as suppliers of high-tech solutions for such challenging environments.
Think of:
- Ceramic components from CERcuits (Geel) in the particle accelerator at CERN in Geneva;
- Radiation-hard ICs from Magics Technologies (Geel) in the experimental ITER fusion reactor in France;
- Sensors and vision systems from Mirion (Canberra Olen) and KU Leuven Advanced Integrated Sensing lab (ADVISE – campus Geel) circling around just about every planet in our solar system;
- Low-maintenance ultrasound sensors from Olpas at 100m depth in hydroelectric dams or in salt- and foul-water conditions; high-tech adhesives by Sadechaf on a Mars Rover and state-of-the art laser-based systems by Absolem for ASML’s most advanced EUV-lithography scanners (all at Open Manufacturing Campus Turnhout);
- Not to mention the role that materials suppliers such as Umicore (Olen) and leading knowledge institutes such as SCK-CEN and VITO (both located in Mol) play in this domain.
Construction of the ITER fusion reactor in France ((c) iter.org).
Our strategy and ambition
With its focus domain "Challenging Technologies for Challenging Environments", Innovatiecampus Geel activates the existing ecosystem and welcomes additional players to the region.
Starting from our existing strengths, we tighten the bonds and collaborations between the local actors and attract – and interact with – a growing number of international actors from across the value chains of hardware and software for challenging environments. Aside from our intrinsic drive to innovate, we do this from within a strong belief that Europe must secure its sovereign position amidst a turbulent geopolitical background.
Our ambition is to remain amongst the world's top regions in rediation-hard electronics and amongst the European regions with the highest-density of relevant actors in the domain of challenging technologies for challenging environments.
What's in it for you?
- Low-threshold entry into new collaboration opportunities that strengthen your own innovation agenda as well as the overall value chain and ecosystem.
- Regular get-togethers to discuss the status of your plans and innovations and to tune in on the latest trends and developments in your fields of interest.
- Up to 18ha development area available on Innovatiecampus Geel to grow your facilities (or to set up joint facilities) and to have a direct connection with the educational institutes Thomas More and KU Leuven.
- Centrally located between other innovation hotspots in and around Flanders.
Want to know more?
